DETROIT -- The Detroit Red Wings were without defenseman Brian Rafalski for 10 games. They are glad to have him back.

Rafalski returned to the ice Monday night against the Phoenix Coyotes and had an assist during his first shift of the game. His shot from the top of the circle to the left of Phoenix goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov bounced off the boards directly to Dan Cleary on the other side of the net.

Cleary buried a shot into the open side of the net to make it 1-0 less than two minutes into the game.

"It was great to have (Rafalski) back," Red Wings coach Mike Babcock said. "Obviously, he can move the puck and he's a real good player. He set up that first goal right off the hop. Once he gets going here, obviously, it will be great to have him."

Monday's game marked the first time Rafalski played since undergoing arthoscopic surgery on his right knee Oct. 12. In addition to being one of the team's top defenseman, Rafalski and his right-handed shot have been missed on the power play.

"We've all seen the plays he can make out there," defenseman Niklas Kronwall said. "It means a lot to our power play, but not only our power play. He provides a lot for us, just moving the puck and being so smart out there. It means a lot to have him out there."

Rafalski flew home Friday after the team's morning skate in Edmonton and arrived home around midnight. He didn't get much sleep before leading his 6-year-old son's hockey practice at 7:15 a.m. Saturday.

He took part in the Red Wings' morning skate Monday before taking the ice against Phoenix later in the day.

"Things felt good out there this morning," he said. "I didn't have any issues. My stick felt long, so that means I'm getting deeper in my stride, and that's a good thing."